It seems like only yesterday — although it was January 2000 — that Mitchell strode to the microphone in the House to announce the birth of Jeffrey David Mitchell and to report that his wife, Yvette, and the other six kids — yes six — were doing great.

“Jeffrey is already showing great political ambition, looking for a free meal anytime he can,” Mitchell joked at the time.

Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog has named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.